The Four-door doesn't sound very alluring does it? But when you call your luxury saloon Quattroporte it suddenly sounds a lot more enticing. The Quattroporte has been part of Maserati's line up since 1963; the fifth-generation saloon that was designed by Pininfarina arrived in 2003. Up against the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera it takes a very different kind of person to buy Italian instead of German or British, but if you take the plunge you'll be rewarded with a car that's great fun to drive and has plenty of soul. You'll also get plenty for your money thanks to sharp depreciation, but the build quality and reliability can't match that of the Porsche or Aston, while running costs are high - potentially very high.

Key dates

2004: The fifth-generation Quattroporte goes on sale with a 400bhp 4.2-litre V8. All cars have a DuoSelect automated manual gearbox with paddle shifts.2005: Executive GT and Sport GT versions join the range; the former with extra wood trim, the latter with faster gearshifts and 20-inch wheels.2006: A ZF six-speed auto becomes available, alongside the DuoSelect.2008: The Quattroporte is facelifted and at the same time the S arrives with a 424bhp 4.7-litre V8.2009: The 434bhp 4.7-litre Sport GT S arrives too, with lowered, stiffer suspension for sharper handling and faster gearshifts.

Checklist

Buy the newest car that you can afford; early cars (2005/6) are best avoided altogether.

The servicing requirements are stringent - every 6000 miles. Don't consider buying a Quattroporte that doesn't have a full service history.

The DuoSelect transmission is jerky and can be unreliable; the ZF gearbox is a far better bet.

Most Quattroportes come with Skyhook adjustable suspension. The S and GT S do without this though; their suspension is fixed.

DuoSelect clutches can last up to 40,000 miles, or less than 15,000 miles if driven hard. The hydraulic gear selectors also fail and repair costs are very high.

A regular four-wheel alignment check is essential or the handling will be affected. Bushes and dampers also wear out.

The ECU and ignitor pack for the xenon headlights can fail, so there's no dipped beam. Fixing this is seriously pricey.

Check all of the electrics as glitches are common. The windows can stop working, along with sunroofs and air-con.

Ford was slow to cash in on the SUV craze. When its Kuga appeared in 2008, some of its rivals were in second or even third-generation form; the Toyota Rav4 that launched the segment arrived in 1996. But the Kuga was worth waiting for because in typical Ford fashion it was one of the best cars in its class to drive, build quality and reliability were decent and you got plenty for your money. In common with most of its rivals the Kuga was designed mainly for road use, but as the safest compact SUV that Euro NCAP had ever tested - and for a host of other reasons, the Kuga makes great sense as a family car.

Key dates

6/08: The Kuga reaches UK showrooms in 134bhp 2.0 TDCi form and with a choice of Zetec or Titanium trims and intelligent all-wheel drive.12/08: There's now a 134bhp front-wheel drive 2.0 TDCi, with lower CO2 emissions. A 197bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol Kuga is also introduced, with 4WD and six-speed manual or five-speed auto transmissions. 6/10: A high-spec trim level 'Individual' arrives with 19-inch alloys, roof rails, privacy glass and extra bodywork detailing. There's also a new 160bhp 2.0 TDCi and the 134bhp version is boosted to 138bhp. Ford's Powershift six-speed dual-clutch transmission is now optional with the 2.0 TDCi engine.

Checklist

You need a special cable, part #1529487, for an MP3 player to work through the car's audio system.

Kugas with four-wheel drive can suffer from failure of the Haldex coupling, which is very costly to fix.

All engines have a cam belt that needs to be replaced every 10 years and 100-120,000 miles.

Many owners have had problems with fuel leaks after filling up; it comes out of the breather pipe near the filler.

Some interior trim wears quickly, especially the gearstick gaiter. The seat trim can also wear; even if it doesn't, creaks are common.

The seals for the rear lights can perish, allowing moisture in, so condensation forms inside the clusters.

Alloy wheels of all sizes corrode badly; the machined faces suffer the worst.

The window seals can squeak where they come into contact with the glass. Buy some Gummi Pfledge (search online) to quell the racket.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV with the same discreet styling, user-friendly cabin, civilised road manners and efficient engines as the Golf. Offered with front- or four-wheel drive, the latter is ideal for those who want to tow, while there’s an Escape version for anyone who wants to do some light off-roading. The Tiguan impresses with its refinement, high-quality cabin and practicality, but if value is one of your priorities you might be less keen as the Tiguan is a premium car. However, its build quality, refinement and spacious cabin make the high prices justifiable, while equipment levels are good too.

Key dates

2/08: The Tiguan arrives with 1.4 TSI petrol or 138bhp 2.0 TDI diesel engines. There are S, SE and Sport trims, with Escape offering greater off-road capabilities thanks to underbody protection, hill descent control and a redesigned nose for a steeper approach angle.

4/08: A 168bhp 2.0 TDI engine joins the range.

10/08: A 2.0 TSI engine is now available in 168bhp or 198bhp guises.

11/08: The Tiguan initially came with 4WD only; from this point on there are 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI 140 front-wheel drive options.

For many, a Mercedes represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and prestige, and when you look at an E-Class it’s easy to see why. Beautifully built, brilliantly engineered and bristling with safety tech, the Mercedes E-Class is a cut above most of its rivals. With the fourth-generation edition, codenamed W212 by Mercedes, the German company excelled itself with a range of highly desirable saloons, estates, coupés and cabriolets. Expensive when new, these cars aren’t as exclusive as you might think and as a result they can represent excellent value as a used buy – but while the Merc’s efficient engines can be more parsimonious than you might think, running costs can also be high. Still, sometimes it’s worth making sacrifices.

Mention the word ‘hybrid’ to someone and the chances are they’ll think of the Toyota Prius, first seen in the UK in 2000 and made in vast numbers since. While the first edition was uninspiring in many ways, it created a template for future generations of a car that has become increasingly usable and better to drive, if not exactly fun. The Prius has evolved to impress in many ways from its low running costs and excellent practicality to its superb reliability and the potential for tiny fuel bills. However, many buyers opt for a Prius because of its economy, but how it’s driven makes a massive difference to the economy it delivers – much more than a conventionally powered car. So before you buy a Prius, make sure thatthe roads you use and the way you drive aren’t better suited to a cheaper, conventionally powered car.

Key dates

8/09: The Prius Mk3 arrives in the UK, with better performance, lower emissions and more standard equipment than its predecessor. In place of the previous 1.5-litre petrol engine there is a 1.8-litre unit and buyers can choose between T3, T4 and T Spirit trims.

10/10: The 10th Anniversary special edition is limited to 1000 examples, with body kit, 17-inch alloys and black leather trim.

1/12: A facelifted Prius is introduced, with a tweaked nose, higher-quality interior and revised suspension for an improved ride. There are also improved multimedia and navigation options.

3/12: There’s now a plug-in Prius with a 14-mile range in pure electric mode.

Checklist

That wind-cheating shape cuts fuel costs but hampers rear visibility, so check you can see out.

Volvo is much better known for its large cars rather than small models; the C30 is its most compact car to date. Distinctively styled and good to drive thanks to it sharing so much with the Ford Focus, the Volvo C30 was never a big seller in the UK as it never really captured buyers’ imaginations. That’s a shame because the C30 has much to offer, not least of all excellent safety levels, good build quality and most models are well equipped too. The C30 also came with some excellent engines from mild to wild. However, the tiny boot, limited rear leg room and lack of availability of a five-door option made the C30 a non-starter for some. But the C30’s low profile ensures you get plenty for your money and with around 30,000 sold in the UK over a seven-year lifespan, there are more to go round than you might think.

Key dates

2/08: A dual-clutch transmission is now offered on the 2.0D, and there’s an R-Design bodykit option too.

1/09: A 1.6D DRIVe model is introduced, with CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

1/10: A revised C30 appears with a heavily revised nose, facelifted tail and the option of new colours inside and out, plus a sportier chassis. At the same time, a 99g/km stop/start 1.6D DRIVe model arrives.

6/10: The 1.6D became the D2, while the 2.0D is split into D3 (148bhp) and D4 (175bhp) derivatives.

Checklist

Wind noise of some early cars can be an issue, usually because of the door mirror design; it can be fixed.

The air conditioning stops working when the condenser fails, although system leaks aren’t unusual either.

Big alloys on sporty C30s get kerbed easily. They can usually be refurbished inexpensively though.

The focus is on style rather than practicality; the C30 can carry no more than four people as there’s no provision for a fifth seat.

Door trim panels can squeak or creak and quietening things down can be a time-consuming job.

If you do a lot of night-time driving, it’s worth buy a car with xenon lights, as the standard units aren’t that good.

Windscreens are susceptible to stone chips and cracking; see if it’s been renewed already.

When Bentley revealed the Continental GT in 2003, it marked the dawn of a new era for the Crewe marque under Volkswagen ownership. The model has gone on to become easily the most popular model ever offered by this luxury sporting brand, with a variety of offshoots also offered, including convertible and saloon editions. Anyone worried that VW Phaeton underpinnings might devalue the Bentley brand were quickly reassured by the car’s blend of agility, comfort, performance and reliability. And while you’ll need deep pockets to buy and run one of these stylish machines, the Bentley Continental GT still represents something of a bargain on the used market.

It was the original Picanto that showed Kia’s potential, but when the third-generation Sportage appeared in 2010 the Korean manufacturer realised that potential. This sharp-looking SUV came with concept car looks, a long warranty, generous equipment levels and a healthy dose of practicality – yet it was every bit as affordable as you’d expect a Kia to be. Accounting for around a quarter of Kia’s sales in the UK, when the Sportage Mk3 was current it was the company’s biggest-selling model and it’s not hard to see why. As a used buy the Sportage is just as enticing.

Key dates

11/10: The Sportage Mk3 arrives with 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol engines, along with 1.7 or 2.0 CRDi diesels. The smaller engines have front-wheel drive; the 2.0-litre models get standard four-wheel drive and an optional automatic gearbox. There are three trim levels (1, 2 and 3, with 4WD models getting a KX prefix).

The words ‘iconic’ and ‘legendary’ are frequently over-used in the motoring arena, but where the Porsche 911 (in this case, the 997 Series) is concerned they’re most definitely deserved. Since 1963 this supercar has captured the imaginations of enthusiast drivers, with its beguiling blend of supercar pace, grand touring usability and brilliant build quality. And with thousands made each year, there are plenty to choose from on the used market, although the number of different 911 variants to choose from is bewildering, and it’s essential that you buy the one that’s right for your needs. Once you’ve pinned that down, the next hurdle is to find a minter with a full history that’s been maintained by a marque expert. And don’t buy anything else.

Key dates

11/05: There are now Carrera 4 and 4 S options, with four-wheel drive.

5/06: The 415bhp GT3 goes on sale

7/06: The 480bhp 3.6-litre Turbo reaches showrooms.

6/08: Four-wheel drive models get a new transmission and an all-new, more efficient flat-six (341bhp for the Carrera, 380bhp for the Carrera S). The Turbo gets a 3.8-litre engine and Porsche’s brilliant PDK dual-clutch gearbox replaces the previous Tiptronic auto.

Chevrolet is now a defunct brand in the UK, but don’t let that stop you from considering what was arguably its most capable model when it was current. The Captiva is a seven-seat SUV that was one of the most affordable cars in its segment when it was new. The brand’s low profile when it was trading here meant the Captiva shed its value quickly; with Chevrolet’s profile dropping further since its UK dealers were shuttered at the end of 2015, its products are more affordable than ever. The Captiva is no class leader in any one area, but as an all-rounder it’s plenty good enough to deserve your attention.

There was a time when MPVs were the future, then the crossover arrived and suddenly the MPV fell out of favour. Which is a shame because people carriers like the Peugeot 807 tend to be more spacious, comfortable and versatile than any SUV that’s remotely affordable. As the first MPV to score a full five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, the Peugeot 807 is also a very safe car – at least when tested to 2003 standards. However, there’s a fly in the ointment, and that’s the 807’s reliability record, which isn’t great. So before buying, make sure that cheap MPV doesn’t become very expensive once it’s yours.

Key dates

1/03: The 807 goes on sale with 2.0 or 2.2-litre petrol or diesel engines.

7/03: The 2.0 HDi is now available with an automatic gearbox.

2/04: The 2.2 HDi is now available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

6/04: A facelift brings new model designations and a tidier exterior design.

When Renault failed to bring its brilliant original Twingo to the UK, it made a big mistake – which it didn’t repeat when it introduced an all-new model in 2007. Unfortunately the follow-up didn’t share the innovation of its predecessor, but as a used buy Renault’s smallest car is still worth a closer look for its distinctive styling, spacious and versatile interior as well as the performance in Renaultsport guise. But while the Twingo is ideally suited to urban driving, it’s not so adept at longer high-speed journeys thanks to poor refinement. Reliability can also be an issue, so make plenty of checks before buying.

Key dates

9/07: The second-generation Twingo arrives in the UK with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, in 75bhp normally aspirated or 100bhp turbo forms, the latter wearing TCE badges and known as the GT.

2/08: A 60bhp Twingo 1.2 debuts, for those wanting economy above all else.

9/08: The sporty 1.6-litre Twingo 133 is introduced.

7/11: The Silverstone special edition arrives.

2/12: A facelifted Twingo brings revised styling and a wider array of options.

Checklist

Engines can run erratically, and idle very quickly, if the throttle control module starts to play up.

Alarms and immobilisers can be temperamental, going off for no apparent reason. Fixes can be elusive.

If you’re tall, you might struggle to get comfortable as even on its lowest setting the driver’s seat is too high.

Water can leak into the front footwells, because of faulty door seals or a poorly sealed windscreen.

There can be gear selection issues, especially first when cold. Adjusting the gear linkage should fix things.

Any misfiring is down to a faulty coil pack or because the wrong spark plugs are fitted; Renault recommends NGK items.

The electrics and electronics can play up, especially the instrumentation, warning lights and items such as the central locking.

Entering a new market segment often ends in tears, but when Audi unveiled its first ever supercar in 2006, it hit the bull’s eye. Pitched against some seriously capable rivals, the Audi R8 wasn’t just their equal – it could beat them. But despite genuine supercar looks and performance, the R8 is as easy to use as an A3 or A4, while running costs tend to be significantly lower than for similar machinery available elsewhere. With standard four-wheel drive to help get the power down, and a choice of brilliant engines and transmissions, could this be the perfect supercar?

Key dates

10/06: The R8 breaks cover with a 414bhp 4.2 V8.

3/07: The first V8 coupés reach UK showrooms.

3/09: There’s now a 518bhp V10 coupé.

3/10: A V10 Spyder is launched.

7/10: The lighter, more powerful and more focused 552bhp R8 GT coupé appears. Just 33 come to the UK.

When SEAT unveiled its third-generation Toledo in 2005, it looked pretty unconventional. It was a car that not many people understood; what was the point of this large family hatch, which cost more than an Altea XL, but which didn’t offer much extra? Thanks to the higher price and awkward looks, the Toledo struggled to sell, but on the used market this Golf-based hatch makes more sense thanks to keen prices and more carrying capacity than its Leon or Altea siblings. While the Toledo doesn’t do anything better than an Altea XL, it’s more unusual, comes with some strong engines, plenty of equipment (avoid entry-level Reference trim) and it’s refined too. The Toledo is no class-leader, but if you’re looking for a spacious family hatch, this sizeable Seat is a great-value left-field buy.

Key dates

3/05: The second-generation Toledo reaches UK showrooms 2005 with 1.6 or 2.0 FSi petrol engines, along with 1.9 TDi or 2.0 TDi diesels. The smaller powerplants come in Reference or Stylance trims, the 2.0-litre units got their own Sport trim.

5/06: The 2.0 TDI is now offered in Stylance form.

8/07: From this point on the 1.9 TDi Stylance and 2.0 TDi Sport come with a DSG dual-clutch transmission only.

1/08: The CO2 rating of the 1.9 TDi DSG goes up from 145g/km to 162g/km, increasing road tax costs.

Checklist

The ABS control unit can fail, and repair costs are high. Check the dash light illuminates with the ignition on, then goes out.

Rear-three-quarter visibility is poor and judging the car’s extremities is tricky, so parking sensors are a must.

Most Toledos are owned by families, so check the interior trim hasn’t been wrecked by young children.

The electrics can be temperamental, so check things like the central locking, alarm, all lights – and tyre pressure sensors, if fitted.

The oil pump of the 2.0 TDi engine can fail, destroying the engine and turbocharger.

Dual-mass flywheels can fail, so listen for rattling that’s louder with the clutch depressed.

The six-speed manual gearbox can suffer from faulty synchro rings, so make sure the gearchange from first to second isn’t stiff.

The Volkswagen Phaeton never made sense as a new purchase thanks to high prices and heavy depreciation. But as a used buy it can be a far more sensible purchase because for surprisingly little money you can buy a luxury saloon that’s spacious, fully equipped, comfortable and refined. As the most expensive mainstream production Volkswagen ever, ther Phaeton also comes with fabulous build quality as standard, but even diesel models are thirsty and other running costs can be high. It doesn’t help that this incredibly complex car isn’t always as reliable as you might hope, so don’t expect to run a Phaeton for Passat money.

Key dates

6/03: The Phaeton arrives, with 3.2 V6 or 6.0 W12 petrol engines.

11/03: There are now 4.2 V8 petrol and 5.0 V10 TDi options.

4/04: A long-wheelbase Phaeton is introduced. It’s available with all engines except the 3.2 V6.

10/04: A 3.0 TDi joins the range; it quickly became the most popular model.

When it arrived back in 2002, Volvo’s first SUV proved a massive success; long waiting lists quickly formed thanks to this seven-seater 4x4’s versatility, discreet styling and keen pricing. More comfortable on the road than off it, the XC90 was one of a new generation of road-biased 4x4s that were good to drive and capable of providing ideal family transport. In the intervening years there’s been no shortage of rivals introduced, and while the XC90 is no class-leader any more, it can still make a great used buy – just beware of neglected cars and be aware that running costs tend to be high.

As consumers embrace the crossover market, people-carriers are becoming ever less popular. As a result, some of the greatest used car bargains can sit in this sector, and when it comes to value, few cars can compete with the second-generation Kia Carens. It offered a huge amount for the money when new, and strong depreciation has ensured that on the used market you get even more bang for your buck. Look beyond the clunky styling and you’ll find a car that’s comfortable with ample space for the family – so if you’re after maximum practicality for minimum outlay, take a closer look.

With its futuristic styling and cutting-edge running gear the Vauxhall Ampera should have been a smash hit, but as the first vehicle of its kind it was maybe too advanced for a very conservative market. The first ever range extender to be sold in the UK, the Ampera featured plug-in technology with a 1.4-litre petrol engine. The Ampera’s wheels are only ever driven by electric motors, the engine serving only as a generator to top up the batteries once they’ve dropped to 20 per cent charged. As a result there’s no need to worry about flat batteries and you can enjoy regenerative braking plus lots of instant torque. The Ampera was good enough to be voted 2012 Car of the Year but this didn’t translate into sales success; it’s still worth a closer look as a used buy though.

Key dates

5/12: The Ampera reaches UK showrooms. Just 23 dealers can sell them but each buyer gets their own customer liaison at Vauxhall HQ. There are three trim levels; standard, Positiv and Electron.

4/13: In a bid to boost sales, Vauxhall introduces a free ownership package that covers fuel and servicing for three years.

9/13: A price cut of £3,500 is Vauxhall’s last attempt at tempting buyers, but they remain uninterested. The Ampera is killed off a year later.

Checklist

The Ampera was also sold in the UK as the Chevrolet Volt; these are even rarer than the Vauxhall.

Water gets into the tailgate’s rear light units. Replacing the lights helps, but the problem always comes back.

The battery pack comes with an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty.

The real-world range on electric only is 25-40 miles. The total range with a tank of petrol is around 300 miles.

There’s room for four only, as in the rear there are two sculpted seats.

The Ampera was one of the safest cars ever tested by Euro NCAP, excelling in all categories including pedestrian protection.

Flushed with the success of its i10 city car and i30 supermini, Hyundai launched another small car in 2009 – the i20. From the outset it was clear the titchy Hyundai was aimed at those who saw their car as little more than transport, but that doesn’t make the i20 a poor buy – just one that’s unlikely to excite you. With its Vauxhall Corsa-esque styling and keen pricing, the i20 was a success for Hyundai in the UK, and thanks to it being a pensioners’ favourite, low-mileage, cherished i20s aren’t rare, which only makes it an even more appealing second-hand buy.

Key dates

1/09: The five-door i20 reaches UK showrooms with 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol engines (the latter with a 4-speed auto option) and a 1.4 CRDi diesel, in 74bhp or 89bhp forms.

4/09: There’s now a three-door i20.

7/10: A 99g/km 1.4 CRDi Blue eco edition arrives; its introduction coincides with CO2 emissions reductions for all engines, and the fitment of standard bluetooth for all models except the Classic.

5/12: A facelift brings an overhauled interior, refreshed exterior styling and a new 1.1-litre diesel engine, rated at 84g/km.

Checklist

The radio can regularly lose all of the presets for some reason.

If the central locking fails, the transponder unit has probably failed.

The clutch pedal pivot can dry out and squeak, but a drop of oil is all that’s needed to restore silence.

Clutches can wear out in under 10,000 miles, with dealers invariably claiming it’s because of the owner’s driving style.

Some owners have had problems with corrosion around the door handles and rear wiper arm; look for signs of bubbling.

All of the seats offer little support, so they can be uncomfortable on long journeys.

When Toyota teamed up with Peugeot-Citroen to launch a new economy car in 2005, it set the cat among the pigeons. Here was a youthful city car that blended low purchase and running costs with a feel-good factor often absent from the segment. Perfect for zipping around town and great fun to drive on the open road, the Aygo is ideal for anyone keen to cut their motoring costs to the bone. The Aygo is far from cutting-edge in terms of safety and refinement and it’s not the most spacious city car around, but few cars are as cheap to run, thanks to the fuel-efficient engine and decent levels of reliability.

Key dates

7/05: The Aygo arrives in standard, Aygo+ and Sport+ forms, with a 67bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a choice of three or five-door hatchback bodystyles.

1/06: A short-lived 1.4 diesel is introduced.

1/09: The high-spec Blue and Black appear and CO2 emissions are cut to 106g/km.

3/12: CO2 emissions are cut further, to 99g/km when the Aygo is facelifted with an improved interior, extra equipment plus a redesigned front end.

8/13: A final refresh brings new trims and standard ESP.

Checklist

Catalytic converters fail, so put the car through an MoT for an emissions check.

Clutches get damp from leaky bellhousings, leading to corrosion and premature wear; check for slipping.

There’s no temperature gauge, so it’s hard to tell if the engine is running hot.

The tailgate and rear light seals can leak, allowing water into the boot.

Water pumps can leak or fail on the petrol and diesel engines; look for signs of coolant leaks.

Exhaust back boxes can rot out in little more than two years, so listen for blowing.

The rear wheel brake cylinders can so look for fluid on the brake back plates and check the system’s fluid level.